Tech

This is what Apple’s Renew program gives you when you recycle old iPhones

CUPERTINO, California — Apple customers looking to recycle iPhones will be awarded with a gift of thanks at retail stores, in addition to getting store credit for trade-ins.

As a part of a greater effort to help the environment and give old iPhones a second chance at life, the company will be directing those who donate devices through its new Renew program to Apple.com/Thanks, where they'll be able to download a collection of green-inspired smartphone wallpapers.

The colorful wallpapers were designed by graphic artist Anthony Burrill and inspired by nature.

Apple announced on Monday that its existing iPhone return policies will be rolled into one overarching program called Renew. It will blend Apple's take-back initiative, where customers bring in devices to be recycled; Apple Care, which allows users to get new devices when their own is beyond repair; and the Apple trade-in program for those who want device upgrades.

The company also revealed a large-scale robot named Liam, with 29 freestanding robotic arms, as a part of a massive project to better recycle your ruined, returned iPhones. Liam is programmed to carefully disassemble the many pieces of iPhones, such as SIM card trays, screws, batteries and cameras, by removing components bit by bit so they’ll all be easier to recycle. Traditional tech recycling methods involve a shredder with magnets that makes it hard to separate parts in a pure way (you’ll often get scrap materials commingled with other pieces).

Image: Apple

In creating Liam, Apple is trying to address a growing problem for the consumer electronics industry. Electronics waste, particularly waste from batteries, is a growing hazard in developing nations, where much of this waste can ultimately wind up. Creating recycling programs in the U.S. is one thing that can help, since environmental laws are relatively tough here, and consumer demand for greener products is strong.

Bonus: A first look at Liam: Apple's massive robot that takes apart old iPhones

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